Russian driver Daniil Kvyat has called for a "peaceful solution" to the crisis unfolding in Ukraine, while appealing to sporting bodies to refrain from banning Russian and Belarusian competitors. Russian forces, led by Vladimir Putin and supported by leaders in nearby Belarus, last week invaded neighbouring Ukraine in an act of war that has sparked a reaction from some of sport's top governing bodies. UEFA have moved this season's Champions League final away from St. Petersburg, before joining FIFA in banning all Russian and Belarusian teams from their competitions. The two national teams have also been banned from UEFA and FIFA competitions, meaning Russia will not be present at this year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In motorsport, the 2022 Russian Grand Prix has been removed from the calendar while Formula 1 ponders its next steps. On Tuesday, an extraordinary World Motor Sport Council meeting is being held , with an outcome expected as to whether or not Russian and Belarussian drivers will be banned from racing, a decision that directly impacts Kvyat and current Haas racer Nikita Mazepin. Kvyat is due to compete for G-Drive Racing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2022.
Kvyat calls on sport to avoid "unfair solution"
In a social media post, Kvyat, who previously raced for Red Bull and Toro Rosso/AlphaTauri in F1, weighed in with his thoughts on the situation. "I really hope for a peaceful solution to this situation in Ukraine, and that we can all live in peace," wrote Kvyat. "Hopefully all parties can find a solution by sitting together and through respectful dialogue. "It horrifies me to see two brotherhood nations in a conflict. I don't want military actions and wars to influence the future of humanity. I want my daughter and all children to enjoy this beautiful world." Kvyat went on to give his assessment on the bans being implemented on Russian and Belarusian competitors across various sports. On Monday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be banned from competitions. "I also would like to highlight and address all sports federations across the world, including the IOC, that sport should remain outside politics," he continued. "Disallowing Russian athletes and teams from participating in world competitions is an unfair solution and goes against what sport teaches us in its principle – unity and peace. "Who else if not us sportspeople will help to glue nations together in the upcoming times?"
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